AVTA supplies sensor gimbal system for new STRIX drone

Melbourne-based Ascent Vision Technologies Australia’s (AVTA’s) CM234 sensor gimbal system has emerged as a key part of the STRIX Tactical Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) launched this week (main picture) at the 2023 Avalon Airshow.

The CM234 sensor (pictured below) supplied by AVTA for the STRIX concept demonstration is of light-weight design and provides advanced optical, infrared scanning and laser targeting capabilities.

AVTA Managing Director Dale Heinken said: “We’re delighted to be part of the design and development of the STRIX UAS concept model at Avalon 2023.

“The CM234 offers a wide range of sensor capabilities and laser payloads in a small size, weight, and power.”

The AVTA sensor incorporated in the STRIX concept model also incorporates high definition electro-optical (EO), mid-wave infrared (MWIR), short-wave infrared (SWIR), a laser range finder (LRF), a laser target designator (LTD), and a laser pointer.

Owned by CACI, a company based in Virginia in the United States, AVTA has been designing and manufacturing airborne gimbal systems in Australia for nearly 15 years and has operations in Victoria and NSW.

AVTA incorporates significant levels of local R&D by engineering of payload systems from conception to prototyping, production, and support in Australia, according to the company.

The parent company has designated Australia as a research and development centre for gimballed ISR payload with more than 50 full time staff spread across engineering, operations and production functions.

STRIX is a significant Australian innovation developed by BAE Systems Australia and aerospace specialist company Innovaero.

The STRIX prototype, currently under construction, will be an autonomous vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) UAS for various tactical battlefield roles, predominately supporting ground and maritime forces. It can also be teamed with piloted helicopters over the battlefield.

BAE Systems Australia Chief Executive Officer Ben Hudson said AVTA’s technology was a fundamental part of the STRIX UAS platform on display at Avalon.

Hudson said: “STRIX will add new capabilities for our customers on the battlefield. Its success is leveraged with our strong focus on building a future sovereign supply chain around the platform and incorporating the expertise of Australian SMEs.”

Further reading:
AUSTRALIA’S FIRST LOCALLY-DESIGNED AND MADE VTOL DRONE UNVEILED

Pictures: Ascent Vision Technologies